Using Hermeneutics as a Qualitative Research Approach in Professional Practice

TLDR

This paper targets doctoral students and others considering hermeneutics as a research strategy. The paper explores hermeneutics as a credible, rigorous and creative strategy to address aspects of professional practice that require flexibility, adaptability, and justification in evidence‑based and client‑centred contexts. Research using hermeneutics was conducted with occupational therapy educators and clinicians in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the UK, involving 53 participants in focus groups and individual interviews over one year. The study produced a Model of Professional Practice Judgment Artistry (Paterson, 2003), briefly described with its connections.

Abstract

This paper is targeted primarily at doctoral students and others considering hermeneutics as a research strategy. Research using hermeneutics was carried out with occupational therapy educators and clinicians in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the UK. A total of 53 participants engaged in focus groups and individual interviews over a one-year. The paper explores hermeneutics as a credible, rigorous and creative strategy to address aspects of professional practice that similarly need to be flexible, adaptable to particular needs, and justifiable in the contexts of evidence-based as well as client-centred practice. The hermeneutic study produced A Model of Professional Practice Judgment Artistry (Paterson, 2003) which is briefly described and the connections.